Friday, September 28, 2012

Reign?

REIGN?

Part 7 of 7 in Work of Honor devotional seriesg

Romans 5:17, 21

“For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life, through the one man, Jesus Christ....so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Emphasis mine.

Reign [RAIN means to govern, to rule with power]. Me reign, really? It’s as if Jesus were saying, Yes, I mean for you to reign with Me. Our job, partner, is to break into the earth’s darkness with My light.

Believers-in-Christ have the privilege to break through earth’s darkness with the light of Christ. Jesus says so. He says we may—with His power and gentle Spirit—advance His light into the world. The opening Scripture is prophecy [prof-i-SEE means prediction]. The verb reign is present tense. Right now. Jesus’ obedient sacrifice on the cross defuses, counterbalances, or offsets sin’s limits. Believers may change human circumstances and actions because Jesus defeated sin and death at the cross.

Jesus, as Lord of Life, and King of Glory, invites us to reign in life. As Jesus’ partners, we cannot change the future. But we’re called—in His authority, and with His permission—to impact people and situations here on earth. Jesus gives us the right to make God’s rule happen, (as we’re “co-heirs with Christ” from Romans 8:17).

Our privilege right now is to bring Jesus’ Kingdom power into every situation for which we pray. (This includes bringing all God’s promises into play!) “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32). Kingdom’s doorway opens to those who yield themselves to God’s will. We come humbly, never proud or arrogant. We come with honesty, never hiding evil intent. We speak kindly to others, in love.

2 Corinthians 5:17 says whoever’s “in Christ is a new creation.” We’re “born again” into God’s royal bloodline, to reign alongside brother Jesus! (See Born Again devotion, June 22, 2012). Those who’re serious about this Work of Honor devotional series choose to live as one of Jesus’ flock—reigning through prayer. Are you one whom Jesus invites to “reign in life” today? Jesus says, “Don’t fear. Take the Kingdom keys and use them!”

Take Home Nugget

Cassie led her fifth-grade classmates in prayer one recess, for Missy to keep her home (Kingdom Warriors devotion). Today, Missy passed out cookies to the class. “Daddy refinanced our house. We get to stay!” she announced, all smiles.

Speak kindly in love. Never proud, or with evil intent.

gJack Hayford with Rebecca Hayford Bauer, Penetrating the Darkness (Chosen, Michigan: a division of Baker Publishing Group, 2011), 26-28.

J.D. Griffith


 
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff


Posted by at No comments:

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Intersection, Intervention, Interception

INTERSECTION, INTERVENTION, INTERCEPTION

Part 6 of 7 in Work of Honor devotional seriesf

Romans 8:25-27

“But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait patiently. In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans that word cannot express. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.”

Intercede—[in-ter-SEED means to speak up on another’s behalf]—before Almighty God. Intercessory [in-ter-SESS-or-ee] is the adverb that describes the Holy Spirit’s groans in prayer on behalf of believers-in-Christ (from the opening Scripture). This new dimension of applied prayer is for our use, too. Intercessory prayer is how Cassie prayed for Missy to stay in her home, in Kingdom Warriors devotion.

We’ve come far, and learned much about added dimensions to prayer. Those who grasp these truths, pray with boldness, faith, and confidence.

Intersection [IN-ter-sek-shon] is where one road crosses another. This kind of intercessory prayer brings a person’s decision to the crossroads. The intercessor claims Christ’s victory at the cross when laying before the Lord all different choices. In Jesus’ name, the decision is laid open with how each choice affects others. While people often have a “gut feeling” of how they want God to answer, the issue is placed in His hands. Disappointment is handled by understanding Isaiah 55:8. It says, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the Lord.”

Intervention [in-ter-VENT-shon means to interfere with]. This intercessory prayer alters everything. A concerned kingdom warrior lifts up a tough situation in prayer to change things (or people’s minds) by the power of Jesus’ name. The intercessor is privileged to invade something by praying on behalf of God’s kingdom. (Bring peace between angry family members, for example).

Interception [in-ter-SEPT-shon is total change of direction]. For example, like when a quarterback throws the football, and the other team swipes it out of the air and runs it to the end zone for a touchdown. The football totally reversed its intended direction. The other team scored! Like when the devil partied as Jesus hung on the cross, he really didn’t win. Jesus’ resurrection totally defeated him!

Interception intercessory prayer changes history! Acts 13:1-3 shows Barnabas and Saul (Paul) being sent away from the church at Antioch. The Holy Spirit led them to spread the Gospel of Christ west!

Take Home Nugget

This prayer partnership is offered to you. Do you hear the Holy Spirit whispering, Come with Me, I want to shape you into Jesus’ likeness. Partner with Me as instruments of God’s redemption for all creation.

fJack Hayford with Rebecca Hayford Bauer, Penetrating the Darkness (Chosen, Michigan: a division of Baker Publishing Group, 2011), 49-76.

J.D. Griffith



A personal, private lesson experience with our staff

Posted by at No comments:

Friday, September 21, 2012

Prayer Presentation

PRAYER PRESENTATION

Part 5 of 7 in Work of Honor devotional seriese

1 Peter 3:12-13

“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

We’ve been learning the work of honor, applied prayer. Jesus gave us the “keys to the Kingdom of God!” This is why we partner with Him to bring God’s will “to earth as it is in heaven.” This is heavy lifting for kids—but don’t get a swelled head. Praying for others is spiritual warfare. Human beings—even holy saints—don’t get to dictate God’s timing. Our business is to pray, but the schedule is God’s. Human beings, even precious beloved kids of God, are servants.

We’re to learn and live as one of Jesus’ flock.

Prayer time is the foundation upon which we draw power from our account in heaven. (See The Big Picture devotion). This is when God’s kids build a relationship with our Father, through Jesus. Divine conversation is presented four ways. How do you Present Yourself? Psalm 100:4 says we’re to “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise.” Praise is the entry into God’s presence. Praise invites God to rule our lives, submitting to Him in child-like joy.

Psalm 139:23 is a great way to Present Your Heart. “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me, and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” God is calling us to grow beyond our weakness. Prayer does not obligate God to anything, but we’re invited to pray (Matthew 22:14).

The third is to Present Your Day to the Lord. Proverbs 3:6-7 advises us, “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” We show our dependence on God when we present our day to Him. He may change our plans! When we ask for His guidance, He’ll do just that. “Show me Your ways, O Lord, teach me Your paths; guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long.” (Psalm 25:4-5).

Take Home Nugget

Present Your Reach is about your influence. Everybody influences other people, whose lives are affected some way. Some prayer warriors lift up to God every person in their family, praying for each name individually. How about kids in your school? Your town? How about praying for the ruler of your country? Why stop there? There are people all over the world who need your prayers!

God writes opportunity on one side of the door, and responsibility on the other.

eJack Hayford with Rebecca Hayford Bauer, Penetrating the Darkness (Chosen, Michigan: a division of Baker Publishing Group, 2011), 26-47.

J.D. Griffith


A personal, private lesson experience with our staff

Posted by at No comments:

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

The Big Picture

THE BIG PICTURE

Part 4 of 7 in Work of Honor devotional seriesd

2 Peter 3:9

“The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

“Has your Dad refinanced you home yet, Missy?” Cassie asked her 5th grade classmate at recess. (See Kingdom Warriors devotion).

“Uh, not quite.”

“What does that mean? We’re anxious for you to stay in your house.” Cassie said.

“Yeah, me too” Missy admitted. “The judge gave us six months before we have to leave.”

Whenever we pray for others, it’s natural to want to know what happened. But feedback to prayer isn’t promised. Our job is to pray the situation into God’s hands, then let it go. (Of course, we can do this many times). No prayers are wasted. But we’re to wait on the Lord for His work and answer (Psalm 27:14).

This wasn’t what God originally intended for His kids, you know. The perfect place, Garden of Eden, was where perfect kids, Adam and Eve, lived. God’s perfection was upended when Adam and Eve sinned. The Father extended His grace to His children by sending his Son Jesus to save us from our sins. Jesus’ spilled blood and death expended (finished) the work of redemption, which covers all sin.

While the words “awesome” and “amazing” are over used today, what Jesus offers us is that spectacular. Wouldn’t you agree? When Jesus offers us “Keys to the Kingdom,” believers’ image changes us from “nice people who’re going to heaven,” to Holy Spirit-empowered prayer warriors. Holy Spirit-divine power assists us in daily living. We get to impact others with God’s grace, through applied prayer (Ephesians 3:16).

This sinful world is the result of Satan’s hellish rule. (Partnering with Jesus is advancing the rule of God’s will, from Keys of the Kingdom devotion). God means to redeem not only people, but all creation. His kids are earth’s kingdom prayer warriors. Our job is to partner with God in returning all creation back to His original plan and purpose! Jesus leads the charge, and His disciples (you and me) follow. As we wait on Jesus’ return, our assignment is the business of prayer.

Take Home Nugget

Luke 19:11-13 is a picture of Kingdom Warriors. Jesus gives each disciple 10 years’ wages, then leaves town. In Jesus’ absence, His shed blood and the indwelling Spirit transforms us holy and righteous. Our wages—power through prayer, drawn from a divine account in heaven—never run out.

We’re battling a Satanic war, that’s true.

Our job is praying for others, so get out of your pew!

Jesus says, “Whatever you ask in My name, that I will do!”



dJack Hayford with Rebecca Hayford Bauer, Penetrating the Darkness (Chosen, Michigan: a division of Baker Publishing Group, 2011), 19-28.

J.D. Griffith


A personal, private lesson experience with our staff


Posted by at No comments:

Friday, September 14, 2012

Keys of the Kingdom

KEYS OF THE KINGDOM

Part 3 of 7 in Work of Honor devotional seriesc

Luke 22:29

“And I confer on you a kingdom, just as My Father conferred one on Me,...”

Kingdom Warriors devotion lesson shows how we’re to dress for daily battles. From the helmet of salvation, breastplate of righteousness, to feet clad in the Word of God’s truth, we stand firm (Ephesians 6:13-17). Our weapons are prayer and the sword of the Spirit.

Jesus isn’t messing around. His ministry is the Kingdom of God (Matthew 4:23).

Jesus offers—to all who accept His partnership—keys! Keys mean salvation (for believers), and citizenship into His Kingdom as partners. Jesus empowers us with His presence. He came to give us life in abundance (John 10:10). People who’re “Full” means lives stretched from the present into the future—a new dimension: Kingdom to the world. Kingdom keys open the door and give us the right to enter.

How humbling that Jesus’ gives us keys! Yet this requires our partnership.

These “Keys” release Jesus’ power to advance God’s will “on earth as it is in heaven.”

Gulp. Wow! Really?

Proper use of these keys requires a grasp of how valuable this partnership is. We need to realize the responsibility, and the privilege. Obedient sons and daughters never use keys carelessly—ESPECIALLY not THESE keys! Wisdom from God guides Jesus’ partners to use these keys correctly, respectfully.

Be impressed with the privilege [PRIV-i-lej means freedom, benefit, favor] of having Kingdom keys. Use them, but know that their power comes from God. Your right to use them in Jesus’ name comes through His shed blood on the cross.

Everything in God’s Kingdom is opened to us through the cross. That’s why to whomever the keys to the Kingdom are given must first be saved, reborn, forgiven, and free from sin. Being reborn—accepting Jesus Christ as Lord—promotes Holy Spirit power for us to understand: what being an active partner in advancing the rule of God’s will is all about.

This rule conquers evil works of the devil and the flesh. (Sin that blankets the earth in darkness after Adam and Eve first sinned, Genesis 3:1-7). The rule of God’s will releases His love for humankind in a flowing river of life, forgiveness, grace, and power.

Take Home Nugget

Jesus only enters one’s heart when invited. Once in, He can work the Father’s “will on earth” (right where you are) “as it is in heaven.” His transforming power, character, and qualities become Christ-likeness in you. God is not far away. And His presence is the whole point.

Holy Father, help me get it, without losing the whole point of what it means to have the “keys to Your Kingdom.” Amen.

cJack Hayford with Rebecca Hayford Bauer, Penetrating the Darkness (Chosen, Michigan: a division of Baker Publishing Group, 2011), 10-19.

J.D. Griffith


A personal, private lesson experience with our staff

Posted by at No comments:

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Kingdom Warriors

KINGDOM WARRIORS

Part 2 of 7 in Work of Honor devotional seriesb

Ephesians 6:10-12

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, against the authorities, against powers of the dark world and against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

Missy’s big eyes bored into her 5th-grade classmates. (See Work of Honor—Privilege of Prayer devotion). “Would you really pray for me to stay in my house?”

When somebody mentions praying for another, on someone’s behalf, reactions displayed range from embarrassment to hatred. Pride steps in. Do I look desperate? But praying for others is Christian’s responsibility, a serious job. Prayer is love, not labor.

People should swallow their pride, and just say “Thank you” when another offers to pray for them. No one is totally independent, like an island. At one time or another, everyone needs help. Kingdom Warriors step up in love to pray help for others.

There are different prayers. Personal prayer is said behind closed doors. Public prayer is said aloud amid witnesses. There’s pointed (focused) prayer, passionate prayer (putting oneself in another’s shoes), and Spirit-filled, or powered prayer. Spirit-filled prayer is powered by the Holy Spirit, something we don’t control. But we may request Spirit’s fullness. Spirit-powered prayer is granted to those who are mature in their faith, a growing disciple of Christ.

Spirit-filled is heavy-duty prayer. It’s way more powerful than rubbing a rabbit’s foot for luck. It’s being certain that something good will happen. This is one faith-grounded prayer that extends the believer’s prayer dimension into applied prayer.

Prayer is spiritual warfare—the clash of swords between good and evil. The Spirit’s power ALWAYS overcomes evil.

Pilate asked Jesus, “Are you the king of the Jews?” (John 18:33).

“Jesus said, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, My servants would fight to prevent My arrest by the Jews. But now My kingdom is from another place.’” (John 18:36, 37a). “You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth...”

Jesus’ disciples, you and me, are His “troops” on earth. His Kingdom=our Kingdom. Won’t you partner with our King as His warrior?

Take Home Nugget

“Let’s do this right now” Cassie said, holding out her hands. Brad, Tiffany, and Jeremy closed a circle around Missy. “Heavenly Father, we pray that Missy’s dad find refinancing for their home. In Jesus’ Name, we pray that her family can stay in that house. Thank You, Jesus! Amen.” They embraced a tear-stained Missy.

bJack Hayford with Rebecca Hayford Bauer, Penetrating the Darkness (Chosen, Michigan: a division of Baker Publishing Group, 2011), 9, Appendix B.

J.D. Griffith




A personal, private lesson experience with our staff

Posted by at No comments:

Friday, September 7, 2012

Work of Honor--Privilege of Prayer

WORK OF HONOR—PRIVILEGE OF PRAYER

Part 1 of 7 in Work of Honor devotional seriesa

Romans 15:22-33

Vs. 30:  “I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.”

Ten year-old Missy sat down on a swing seat during recess from fifth grade, and burst into tears. Her classmates Cassie, Brad, Tiffany, and Jeremy approached, “Missy, what’s wrong?”

“Our home is in foreclosure.” Sniff. “Daddy says we’ve got one week to refinance, or...uh...I’ll be homeless!” Missy cried.

“That’s awful, Missy!” Cassie hugged her friend. “We’ll pray for God to lead your Dad to get whatever’s needed for you to keep your home. Right, guys?”

Apostle Paul understood the power of prayer. He never hesitated asking others to pray for him. His troubles—like ours—seem hopeless. But prayer is our ticket to victory. While Jesus told us to expect trouble (John 16:33), He gives believers peace. “But take heart! I have overcome the world!”

Prayer is a privilege. It’s an honor to pray to God Almighty! While people often can’t talk one-on-one to important people here on earth, God’s kids can talk to Him anytime!

Why would believers freak out, worry, or stress when help is a prayer away? But for too many Christians, prayer is their last hope. Why? They want to handle trouble by their own power! They resist bothering God with their problems. They believe the devil’s lie, He’s already too busy helping others.

Nothing is further from the truth! Jesus “bothered” His Father all the time, going off alone to pray (Mark 1:35, Luke 6:12, 9:28, 11:1). If prayer weren’t vital to His followers’ spiritual growth, He wouldn’t have taught us how to pray (Matthew 6:7-13). This daily communication should become habit for all Christians. Prayer is talking over our lives with God, Who cares passionately about what’s happening. Daily chats with Jesus build a strong relationship with our Master.

Prayer is power. It only costs a few minutes of time, and is the best gift we can give to someone who’s hurting. Apostle Paul wouldn’t dare preach or build churches without God’s power! Why waste his time to serve unsuccessfully?

That’s why most churches form “prayer circles.” Prayer moves people through trouble straight to victory.

Take Home Nugget

Prayer is such a big deal that we’ll spend all September learning intercessory prayer (in-ter-SESS-or-ee means praying on another’s behalf). Will Missy’s Dad be able to refinance their home?

Lord, help us to pray for those in need.


Help us show others love by word and deed.

aJack Hayford with Rebecca Hayford Bauer, Penetrating the Darkness (Chosen, Michigan: a division of Baker Publishing Group, 2011), 31.

J.D. Griffith



A personal, private lesson experience with our staff


Posted by at No comments:

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Work Gladness

WORK GLADNESS

Ecclesiastes 5:18-20

“Then I [Solomon] realized that is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him—for this is his lot. Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work—this is a gift of God. He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart.”

We left 8 year-old twins Benjy and Danny cleaning up their yard after a destructive tornado blasted through the neighborhood (See Admit God’s Hand devotion). Neither of them was happy about it. We can’t blame therm. Benjy’s bike was missing. (All he had was the handlebar). When destruction hits, we tend to focus on the wreck instead of God’s hand of blessing.

But, no one died in that tornado. “Stuff” was all that was damaged, or missing. We can fix or replace stuff. After we shake off “selfishness” from our natural human attitude, we must admit to having much to be grateful for. How many people hate to go to work? How many people do not have jobs?

God created us for work. Work fills our hearts with satisfaction, and our hearts with joy. While some work isn’t attractive, many are hired to do work that they aren’t wired to do. The trick is to discover your path and follow it. When people’s work is their passion, work brings much joy. But, whoever works simply to earn money has a short-sighted view of life and has limited thinking. Wanting to make a good living is fine, but that’s not the end game.

Ezra discovered in Admit God’s Hand devotion, that he had two bosses. One was his king, and the other was God. The same thing is true for us. No matter who is our employer, our ultimate boss is God. Jesus gave us the correct example of work in Matthew 20:28. “...just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom.”

Take Home Nugget

When we have a servant’s attitude, we have the attitude of Christ. We work as a team player, instead of gaining something for ourselves. Our attitude will honor God. Our work will be high quality. We will be happy. John 9:4 says, “As long as it is day, we must do the work of Him who sent me.” The end game is to glorify God.

When our focus is not on the wage,


God is the Boss.


Joy is the gauge


That counts no work as loss.

J.D. Griffith




A personal, private lesson experience with our staff


Posted by at No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)